ETA (Equipment Type Approval) for Wireless Products in India

What is ETA (Equipment Type Approval)?

Equipment Type Approval (ETA) is a mandatory certification issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It is required for importing, selling, and using wireless and radio frequency (RF) devices that operate in de-licensed (unlicensed) frequency bands in India.

📌 Issued By: WPC Wing, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India
📌 Regulated By: Ministry of Communications, Government of India
📌 Purpose: Ensures wireless devices comply with Indian radio frequency standards before they are imported or sold.

Who Needs ETA Certification?

✅ Importers & Distributors of Wireless Devices – Required for customs clearance and sale in India.
✅ Manufacturers of Wireless & RF Equipment – Needed before launching products in the Indian market.
✅ Telecom & Networking Companies – For Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RF-based communication devices.
✅ Automobile Industry – For GPS tracking systems, vehicle communication modules.
✅ Security & Surveillance Companies – For RFID, CCTV, and IoT-based security devices.

Products Requiring ETA Certification

🔹 Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Devices – Smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, wireless headphones.
🔹 RFID & IoT Devices – Smart home automation, NFC-enabled gadgets, industrial IoT devices.
🔹 GPS & Navigation Systems – Vehicle tracking devices, GPS locators.
🔹 Drones & Remote-Controlled Equipment – Used in defense, agriculture, and logistics.
🔹 Telecom & Broadcasting Equipment – Mobile towers, satellite receivers, radio transmitters.

(Check the WPC website for a full list: www.wpc.dot.gov.in)

When is ETA Required?

✅ If the product operates on unlicensed frequency bands (e.g., Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, 5GHz, Bluetooth, RFID, LoRa, Zigbee).
✅ If the device has an RF module but is not pre-approved by WPC.
✅ If the device is imported and has not been tested in an Indian lab for compliance.

Benefits of ETA Certification

✅ Mandatory for Selling Wireless Products in India
✅ Ensures Compliance with Indian RF Regulations
✅ Helps in Customs Clearance for Imports
✅ Avoids Legal Issues & Regulatory Fines
✅ Builds Trust with Customers & Distributors

How to Obtain ETA Certification?

📌 Apply Online via the WPC Portal: www.wpc.dot.gov.in

ETA Certification Process

1️⃣ Identify the Product’s Frequency Range – Check if it operates in unlicensed bands.
2️⃣ Submit an Application on the WPC Portal – Provide product specifications, company details.
3️⃣ Conduct RF Testing in an NABL-Accredited Lab – Ensure compliance with Indian frequency standards.
4️⃣ Obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) – If the product passes all tests, WPC issues an ETA certificate.
5️⃣ Use ETA for Import & Sales – Required for customs clearance and legal distribution.

Documents Required for ETA Certification

📜 Company Registration Certificate & GST Details – Proof of business identity.
📜 Product Technical Data Sheet – Includes RF specifications, frequency range, and power output.
📜 Test Reports from NABL-Accredited Lab – Wireless compliance certification.
📜 User Manual & Product Brochure – Required for ETA applications.
📜 Authorization Letter (for Foreign Manufacturers) – If applying through an Indian representative.

Why is ETA Certification Important for Import & Export?

✅ Legally Required for Importing Wireless Products into India
✅ Ensures Devices Operate Within Permitted Frequency Bands
✅ Avoids Customs Rejection & Legal Penalties
✅ Enables Smooth Distribution & Sales in India
✅ Increases Market Credibility & Customer Trust